Chicken Tikka Masala
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
424 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
Indian
Chicken Tikka Masala
Description
This Chicken Tikka Masala recipe begins by seasoning boneless, skinless chicken breast with salt, cumin, coriander, and cayenne, then coating with a yogurt mixture spiced with ginger and garlic. The yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses flavor. The chicken pieces are broiled until browned and cooked through, creating a slightly charred texture on the outside.
The accompanying sauce is made by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger with tomato paste and various spices including garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder, then simmered with crushed tomatoes and sugar. Adding heavy cream at the end softens the sauce's acidity and spices, yielding a rich and creamy consistency. Fresh cilantro adds brightness as a garnish.
Chicken tikka masala is typically served as a main dish, best accompanied by bread such as naan or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. The broiled chicken chunks remain tender from the marinade and contrast with the creamy spiced sauce.
The recipe suggests making the sauce up to two days in advance and storing it refrigerated. Leftover chicken tikka masala reheats well over the stovetop. Homemade naan or grilled flatbread are recommended sides to complement the dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp cumin ground
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 lbs chicken breast dried well, pounded evenly flat, boneless, skinless
- 1 cup yogurt plain, unsweetened, whole milk
- 2 TB vegetable oil
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 TB garlic powder
For the Sauce:
- 3 TB vegetable oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 6 garlic minced, cloves
- 2 tsp ginger peeled and grated, fresh
- 1 TB tomato paste
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- 2 TB garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin ground
- ½ tsp Turmeric ground
- 1 crushed tomatoes (28 oz. can, undrained)
- 2 tsp sugar
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped, fresh
- kosher salt dashes, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Combine salt, cumin, coriander, and cayenne in small bowl. Sprinkle both sides of dry, evenly-pounded chicken with spice mixture, pressing in so mixture sticks. Place chicken in single layer and set aside. Whisk yogurt, oil, ginger, and garlic together in large bowl and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- Heat oil in large heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until golden, about 8 minutes.
- Add garlic, ginger, tomato paste, and cook about 3 minutes. Add remaining "Sauce" ingredients and bring to boil. Reduce to medium low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Lastly, stir in cream and return to simmer a few minutes. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
Broil the Chicken:
- While sauce is keeping warm, place oven rack 6 inches from heat broiler. Dip chicken well into yogurt mixture, coating with thick layer of yogurt. Arrange each piece on wire rack set in foil-lined baking sheet or broiler pan.
- Broil chicken about 5-9 minutes, flip over halfway, and broil another 5-9 minutes. The exterior will be lightly browned in spots.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes. Cut into bite size chunks and stir into warm sauce when ready to eat. (Do not simmer chicken in the sauce. If sauce needs warming, warm it up first and then toss the chicken in when ready to serve.)
- Season with kosher salt to taste, toss in fresh cilantro, and serve immediately over Basmati rice.
Notes
- The tikka masala sauce can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated airtight.
- Leftovers reheat well on the stovetop and maintain flavor.
- Homemade naan or grilled flatbread pair well to soak up the sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 424 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 424kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 132mg | 44% |
| Sodium | 616mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 764mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 627IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 94mg | 9% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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